Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Boone County

Boone County, KY Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

At-large ban: Countywide except ear-tipped community cats
Minimum tether length: 10 feet with swivel, § 91.19(D)
First-offense fine: $25-$100, § 91.99(F)
Repeat-offense fine: $50-$100
Impound fee: Owner pays board/admin/medical costs

Summary

In unincorporated Boone County, Kentucky, a dog off its owner's property must be "restrained" by a leash, chain or fence, or it counts as running at large. Section 91.20(A) makes it "unlawful for any person to permit any animal owned or harbored by them, to run at large," with the only exception being ear-tipped community cats, and violators face fines starting at $25.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Boone County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

RESTRAINT. Enclosed in an area by a form of fencing designed to control the movement of the animal or secured by a leash or chain. An animal shall be deemed to be restrained if it remains on the premises of its owner or if it is accompanied by a responsible person and is under that person's control. (A) It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any animal owned or harbored by them, to run at large, with the exception of ear-tipped community cats.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance 2025-20, passed 6-17-25; and State legislation current through KRS 2025).

Full Breakdown

20(A) then bans letting any owned or harbored animal run at large anywhere in unincorporated Boone County, with the sole carve-out for ear-tipped community cats; a hunting dog briefly out of sight of its handler while actually hunting is also excused under the RUNNING AT LARGE definition. 19(D) requires that any animal "which is chained, tied or otherwise restrained" be given "no less than ten feet of chain, rope, and the like with a swivel attached to prevent entanglement," and if the tether lets the dog leave the owner's property, the dog is deemed running at large regardless of the chain. 20(E).

Violations & Fines

A first offense of letting a dog run at large under § 91.20(A) carries a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100 under § 91.99(F); a second or subsequent offense runs $50 to $100. Animal Control may impound the loose dog under § 91.15(D), and the owner must pay a "reasonable fee for board, administration and medical attention" before reclaiming it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Boone County require dogs to be on a leash?

Effectively yes outside the owner's property. Section 91.20(A) bans letting any dog run at large, and § 91.01 defines adequate restraint as being enclosed by fencing or secured by a leash or chain, or accompanied by a responsible person in control of the animal, so an unleashed, unfenced dog off its owner's property violates the ordinance.

Can I keep my dog on a chain in my own yard in Boone County?

Yes, but § 91.19(D) requires at least ten feet of chain, rope or similar tether with a swivel attached to prevent entanglement. If the tether is long enough to let the dog leave the owner's property, the dog is treated as running at large even while technically tied up.

What is the fine for a dog running at large in Boone County?

A first offense under § 91.20(A) carries a fine of $25 to $100 under § 91.99(F), rising to $50 to $100 for a second or subsequent offense. Animal Control may also impound the dog and charge the owner reasonable board, administration and medical fees before release.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Boone County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant Restrictions Pet Store RulesSome Restrictions Cat RulesSome Restrictions Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions MicrochippingLight Restrictions Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome Restrictions

All Boone County rules

Compare Boone County to another location·View the Kentucky animal ordinances overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.